Grief has a way of turning everything in life inside-out and upside-down. It is quite unlike any other experience we have in this lifetime, and each episode of grief is unique and inherently its own. In addition to feeling sad, angry, or confused after experiencing a loss, you may find that your grief feels emotionally or physically exhaustive. Even staying...[ read more ]
Many people experience guilt when grieving. Sometimes feeling guilty has positive benefits, especially if it motivates you to change problematic behaviors. But sometimes the guilt lies in holding yourself overly responsible for things that are out of your control. This type of guilt can quickly become burdensome, and it may stunt the healing process. Understanding Guilt During Grief Guilt is...[ read more ]
Most people understand the depression, anger, or guilt that emerges after a loss. These are some of the hallmark symptoms characterized by grief. But there are fewer conversations about the anxiety that sometimes arises within this vulnerable process. Grief-induced anxiety can be heavy and complicated, and it's often misunderstood. It can take the form of physical symptoms like insomnia, panic...[ read more ]
What Is Disenfranchised Grief and How Can You Cope? Disenfranchised grief refers to a specific type of grief that doesn't feel safe or appropriate to publicly acknowledge. The added burden of this emotional pain can complicate an already challenging grieving process, and it can make people feel even more alone with their feelings. Examples of Disenfranchised Grief If you feel...[ read more ]
When you're in the throes of active grief, the idea of needing to set boundaries may, at first, seem downright insulting. You're already feeling emotional- and maybe even overwhelmed. Why do you need to assert limits with others during such a vulnerable time? Having boundaries in place can actually support your grief process. These guidelines convey to both you and...[ read more ]
You've moved through an entire year of heartbreaking firsts. Along with certain holidays, wedding anniversaries and the loved one's birthday, the first death anniversary can be one of the hardest days in the grief process. As the day approaches, you may find yourself facing an abyss of sadness, anger, guilt, and fear. The grief may feel as raw as the...[ read more ]
Grief affects us in ways no other tragedy does. The experience of grief is so raw and real, and it's such an intense reminder of the varied emotions we humans experience in this life. It can, in every way, feel entirely exhaustive. And if you feel overwhelmed by grief, you are not alone. You are having a normal response to...[ read more ]
For all the many discussions you've ever had with your children, your own mortality probably hasn't been a conversation topic. That's understandable. Talking about death often feels morbid and scary, both for the parent and the adult child alike. We also live in a society that generally shuns the concepts of aging, loss, and grief. But talking about end-of-life issues...[ read more ]
You just received the phone call or saw the Facebook post. Your friend's dad or mom passed. They're sharing the news with close friends, and you're in that circle. How do you feel right now? Scared? Uncertain? Sad? Uncomfortable? These are all normal emotions that emerge when standing next to grief. Unfortunately, even best friends sometimes avoid talking about this...[ read more ]
As you know, any form of grief can feel overwhelming and devastating. But when a friend loses a loved one, it can feel challenging to know how to respond. You might worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Here's how to provide support for your grieving friend: Don't Overestimate Listening Even if you find talking about death scary or...[ read more ]